Brennan lands Derry job

John Brennan has been announced as the new Derry senior football manager, succeeding Damian Cassidy who stepped down recently after two years in charge.

Last night's meeting of the Derry County Board saw Brennan's appointment ratified. The 74-year-old most recently managed club side Lavey, and he has also had spells with Loup, Slaughtneil, Cargin and Carrickmore.

A statement from the Derry County Board read: "Coiste Chontae Dhoire are pleased to announce that John Brennan has been appointed as the new Derry senior football manager for the incoming year.

"The appointment was ratified at the County Board meeting and collectively the clubs and County Board wish him all the best and look forward to the new season."

There were six nominees initially to succeed Cassidy in the position, but Antrim manager Liam Bradley and former Fermanagh boss Malachy O'Rourke quickly ruled themselves out of the running.

1993 All-Ireland SFC winners Damian Barton and Tony Scullion also withdrew, leaving Brennan and former Tyrone Under-21 manager Peter Doherty in a head-to-head battle.

Brennan's Lavey team were knocked out of the Derry Senior Championship last weekend, losing their semi-final against Ballinderry who scored two injury-time goals.

Brennan had been up for the Derry job on a number of previous occasions, most notably in 2004 when he was beaten by one vote by then Derry manager Mickey Moran.

He has yet to confirm his backroom team for 2011, but Derry's 1993 All-Ireland winning captain Henry Downey, whom he worked with at Lavey, is expected to have a role.